Denied and Delayed: A Healthcare Provider’s Fight for Iron Infusions
Adrienne
State: Virginia
Congressional District:
Diseases
Gastrointestinal Disease, Mental Health, Migraine, Neurological Disease, Rare Disease, Reproductive Disease
Issues and Challenges
Adrienne has encountered: Access to Medicine, Insurance Issues, Invisible Illness, Job Insecurity / Loss, Prior Authorization
My Story
I’m a healthcare provider and a patient living in Virginia. I have iron deficiency anemia and need iron infusions to function. My labs clearly support the need, and this is not a new treatment for me. However, my insurance company is delaying care because of a preauthorization process that has no medical justification.
I’ve had symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, shortness of breath, nausea, and tachycardia that make it harder each day to do my job. I care for others for a living, yet I cannot access the treatment I need to keep going. My infusion is scheduled, but I'm being forced to wait 10 days, and it may be canceled if approval does not come through in time.
I have filed grievances, submitted complaints to the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, and contacted my legislators. I am speaking up because most patients either cannot or have given up trying. No one should be forced to wait weeks for basic, necessary care. This is wrong.
My Motivation and Inspiration
I am furious that I have to fight this hard for something as basic and medically necessary as an iron infusion. I’m exhausted, not just physically, but from being treated like my health does not matter. I’m speaking up because I am done being quiet, and because far too many people stay silent out of frustration, fear, or fatigue. The system counts on us giving up. I will not.
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